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Abstract:

An apparatus heats fluids. A number of lithium-ion cells are positioned
within a housing. A first connector is positioned on a first end of the
housing and operably connected to the number of lithium-ion cells. The
first connector is configured to receive electrical power from a power
source. A second connector is positioned on a second end of the housing
and operably connected to the number of lithium-ion cells. A heating
element has a tube for transferring fluid. The heating element is
configured to connect to the second connector. A controller is positioned
within the housing and operably connected to the number of lithium-ion
cells and the second connector. The controller is configured to monitor a
rate at which the electrical power is received by the heating element and
limit an amount of the electrical power received by the heating element
when the rate reaches a predetermined level.

Claims:

1. An apparatus for heating fluids, the apparatus comprising: a number of
lithium-ion cells positioned within a housing; a first connector
positioned on a first end of the housing and operably connected to the
number of lithium-ion cells, the first connector configured to receive
electrical power from a power source; a second connector positioned on a
second end of the housing and operably connected to the number of
lithium-ion cells; a heating element having a tube for transferring
fluid, the heating element configured to connect to the second connector,
receive electrical power stored in the number of lithium-ion cells, and
heat the fluid by converting the electrical power into thermal energy;
and a controller positioned within the housing and operably connected to
the number of lithium-ion cells and the second connector, the controller
configured to monitor a rate at which the electrical power is received by
the heating element and limit an amount of the electrical power received
by the heating element when the rate reaches a predetermined level.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured
to electrically disconnect the second connector from the number of
lithium-ion cells when the first connector is connected to the power
source.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured
to electrically disconnect the second connector from the number of
lithium-ion cells in response to the rate at which the electrical power
is received by the heating element reaching the predetermined level.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a graphical display unit
configured to display a charging status of the number of lithium-ion
cells.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 further comprising: a feedback connector
within the second connector, the feedback connector configured to receive
feedback information from the heating element, wherein the graphical
display unit is further configured to display the feedback information.

6. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the graphical display unit is
further configured to receive control inputs, and wherein the controller
is further configured to control a charging state of the number of
lithium-ion cells based on the control inputs received.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a communication unit
configured to send information regarding a charging status of the number
of lithium-ion cells to a remote location.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 further comprising: a feedback connector
within the second connector, the feedback connector configured to receive
feedback information from the heating element, wherein the communication
unit is further configured to send the feedback information to a remote
location.

9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the communication unit is further
configured to receive control signals sent from the remote location in
response to the information sent, and wherein the controller is further
configured to control a charging state of the number of lithium-ion cells
based on the control inputs received.

10. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a charging circuit
connected to the number of lithium-ion cells and to the first connector,
the charging circuit configured to receive a range of direct current
voltage inputs to charge the number of lithium-ion cells, the range of
direct current voltage inputs ranging from about ten volts to about
thirty-six volts.

11. The apparatus of claim 10 further comprising: an adapter operably
connected to the charging circuit, the adapter configured to transfer an
input voltage into a voltage within the range of direct current voltage
inputs, wherein the adapted is one of a alternating current adapter, a
pair of electrical cables, and a lighter plug.

12. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a battery adapter module
configured to connect to the second connector, the battery adapter module
configured to output power from the number of lithium-ion cells in a
number of formats using at least one output connector.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one output connector
is one of a USB connector and a lighter socket.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the heating element includes a
plurality of concatenated heating modules, each heating module in the
plurality of concatenated heating modules comprising an input port and an
output port, an input port of a first heating module of plurality of
concatenated heating modules connected to a intravenous fluid supply and
an output port of another heating module of plurality of concatenated
heating modules connected to an intravenous fluid needle.

15. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a carabineer attached to
a corner of the housing; and a plurality of grooves in an exterior
surface of the housing wherein the housing comprises a first portion and
a second portion, and wherein a seam between the first portion and a
second portion is sonically welded, and wherein a total weight of the
housing is less than or equal to about two pounds.

16. An apparatus for heating fluids, the apparatus comprising: a number
of lithium-ion cells positioned within a housing; a first connector
positioned on a first end of the housing and operably connected to the
number of lithium-ion cells, the first connector configured to receive
electrical power from a power source; a charging circuit connected to the
number of lithium-ion cells and to the first connector, the charging
circuit configured to receive a range of direct current voltage inputs to
charge the number of lithium-ion cells, the range of direct current
voltage inputs ranging from about ten volts to about thirty-six volts; a
second connector positioned on a second end of the housing and operably
connected to the number of lithium-ion cells; a heating element having a
tube for transferring fluid, the heating element configured to connect to
the second connector, receive electrical power stored in the number of
lithium-ion cells, and heat the fluid by converting the electrical power
into thermal energy; and a controller positioned within the housing and
operably connected to the number of lithium-ion cells and the second
connector, the controller configured to monitor a rate at which the
electrical power is received by the heating element, limit an amount of
the electrical power received by the heating element when the rate
reaches a predetermined level when the rate reaches a predetermined
level, and electrically disconnect the second connector from the number
of lithium-ion cells when the first connector is connected to the power
source.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the controller is further
configured to electrically disconnect the second connector from the
number of lithium-ion cells in response to the rate at which the
electrical power is received by the heating element reaching the
predetermined level.

18. The apparatus of claim 16 further comprising: a battery adapter
module configured to connect to the second connector, the battery adapter
module configured to output power from the number of lithium-ion cells in
a number of formats using at least one output connector, wherein the at
least one output connector is one of a USB connector and a lighter
socket.

19. An apparatus for heating fluids, the apparatus comprising: a number
of lithium-ion cells positioned within a housing; a first connector
positioned on a first end of the housing and operably connected to the
number of lithium-ion cells, the first connector configured to receive
electrical power from a power source; a first insulator surrounding the
first connector; a charging circuit connected to the number of
lithium-ion cells and to the first connector, the charging circuit
configured to receive a range of direct current voltage inputs to charge
the number of lithium-ion cells, the range of direct current voltage
inputs ranging from about ten volts to about thirty-six volts; a second
connector positioned on a second end of the housing and operably
connected to the number of lithium-ion cells; a second insulator
surrounding the second connector; a heating element having a tube for
transferring fluid, the heating element configured to connect to the
second connector, receive electrical power stored in the number of
lithium-ion cells, and heat the fluid by converting the electrical power
into thermal energy; and a controller positioned within the housing and
operably connected to the number of lithium-ion cells and the second
connector, the controller configured to monitor a rate at which the
electrical power is received by the heating element, electrically
disconnect the second connector from the number of lithium-ion cells in
response to the rate at which the electrical power is received by the
heating element reaching the predetermined level, and electrically
disconnect the second connector from the number of lithium-ion cells when
the first connector is connected to the power source.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein a total weight of the housing the
number of lithium-ion cells, the first connector, first insulator, the
charging circuit, the second connector, the second insulator, and the
controller is less than or equal to about two pounds.

Description:

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS)

[0001] The present application is related to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 61/511,466, filed Jul. 25, 2011, entitled "Electrical
Power Source for an Intravenous Fluid Heating System." Provisional Patent
Application No. 61/511,466 is assigned to the assignee of the present
application and is hereby incorporated by reference into the present
application as if fully set forth herein. The present application hereby
claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 61/511,466.

[0002] The present application is also continuation-in-part application of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/891,463, which was filed Sep. 27,
2010 and entitled "Modular Medical Fluid Heating Apparatus." Patent
application Ser. No. 12/891,463 is assigned to the assignee of the
present application and is hereby incorporated by reference into the
present application as if fully set forth herein. The present application
hereby claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 to U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/891,463.

[0003] The present application is further related to U.S. Pat. No.
6,142,974, entitled "Portable I.V. Fluid Warming System," which issued
Nov. 7, 2000, and to U.S. Pat. No. 6,139,528, entitled "Intravenous Fluid
Warming System," which issued Oct. 31, 2000. U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,142,974 and
6,139,528 are incorporated herein by reference into the present
application as if fully set forth herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present application relates generally to portable electrical
power sources and, more specifically, to a light-weight battery used in
an intravenous fluid heating system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Intravenous (IV) fluids administered in a human body may need to
have certain temperature when administrated. IV fluids, such as for
example, blood, plasma, plasma extenders, Hextend® electrolyte
solution, and medications, may be refrigerated for preservation. In other
examples, the IV fluids may be kept at room temperature. When
administered, these IV fluids may need to be heated to avoid a chance
that a patient will become hypothermic.

[0006] Medical facilities typically have electrical power and heaters for
heating IV fluids to suitable body temperatures. However, outside of
medical facilities it may be more difficult to obtain a power source for
heating IV fluids. Additionally, medical situations that occur outside of
medical facilities often need equipment that is portable and lightweight.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need in the art for an improved power source.
In particular, there is a need for a power source that is portable and
lightweight.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] According to one advantageous embodiment of the present disclosure,
an apparatus is provided for heating fluids. A number of lithium-ion
cells are positioned within a housing. A first connector is positioned on
a first end of the housing and is operably connected to the number of
lithium-ion cells. The first connector is configured to receive
electrical energy from a power source. A second connector is positioned
on a second end of the housing and operably connected to the number of
lithium-ion cells. A heating element has a tube for transferring fluid.
The heating element is configured to connect to the second connector. A
controller is positioned within the housing and operably connected to the
number of lithium-ion cells and the second connector. The controller is
configured to monitor a rate at which the electrical energy is received
by the heating element and to limit an amount of the electrical energy
received by the heating element when the rate reaches a predetermined
level.

[0009] Before undertaking the DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION below,
it may be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words and
phrases used throughout this patent document: the terms "include" and
"comprise," as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without
limitation; the term "or," is inclusive, meaning and/or; the phrases
"associated with" and "associated therewith," as well as derivatives
thereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with,
contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be
communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate
to, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, or the like; and the
term "controller" means any device, system or part thereof that controls
at least one operation, such a device may be implemented in hardware,
firmware or software, or some combination of at least two of the same. It
should be noted that the functionality associated with any particular
controller may be centralized or distributed, whether locally or
remotely. Definitions for certain words and phrases are provided
throughout this patent document, those of ordinary skill in the art
should understand that in many, if not most instances, such definitions
apply to prior, as well as future uses of such defined words and phrases.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and its
advantages, reference is now made to the following description taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference
numerals represent like parts:

[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a fluid heating system
according to an advantageous embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0012]FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of a portable power supply
according to an advantageous embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0013]FIG. 3 illustrates a portable power supply according to an
advantageous embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0014]FIG. 4 illustrates a view of a side of a portable power supply
according to an advantageous embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0015] FIG. 5 illustrates a view of another side of the portable power
supply in FIG. 4 according to an advantageous embodiment of the present
disclosure;

[0016]FIG. 6 is an illustration of a battery adapter module that may
attach to a portable power supply according to an advantageous embodiment
of the present disclosure;

[0017] FIG. 7 is an illustration of connectors on the battery adapter
module in FIG. 6 according to an advantageous embodiment of the present
disclosure; and

[0018] FIGS. 8a and 8b are illustrations of example configurations of the
battery adapter module in FIG. 6 according to an advantageous embodiment
of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] FIGS. 1 through 8b, discussed below, and the various embodiments
used to describe the principles of the present disclosure in this patent
document are by way of illustration only and should not be construed in
any way to limit the scope of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art
will understand that the principles of the present disclosure may be
implemented in any suitably arranged computing device.

[0020] With reference now to the Figures and particularly with reference
to FIG. 1, a block diagram of a fluid heating system is depicted in
accordance with an advantageous embodiment of the present disclosure.
Fluid heating system 100 includes portable power supply 105 and heating
element 110. Portable power supply 105 is a source of electrical power
that provides electrical power to heating element 110. Heating element
110 heats fluids in tube 115. For example, heating element 110 heats IV
fluids prior to the fluids entering a person.

[0021] In this advantageous embodiment, portable power supply 105 is an
improved battery adapted for supplying heating element 110 with
electrical power for heating fluids. Portable power supply 105 includes
housing 120. Housing 120 is a structure for holding components within
portable power supply 105. Housing 120 contains charging circuit 125, a
number of lithium-ion cells 130, and controller 135.

[0022] Charging circuit 125 is circuitry for charging the number of
lithium-ion cells 130. Lithium-ion cells 130 may require a particular
range of input values for voltage. For example, certain lithium-ion
batteries may have a range of acceptable voltages from about 3 volts to
about 4.2 volts. Voltages beyond these ranges may result in overheating
of the battery or loss in life of the battery. In these examples,
charging circuit 125 adapts input voltages to properly charge lithium-ion
cells 130 within acceptable tolerances. For example, charging circuit 125
is adapted to receive a range of input voltages from about 10 volts of
direct current (DC) to about 36 volts DC. Charging circuit 125 adapts and
divides the input voltage received at connector 140 to properly charge
number of lithium-ion cells 130.

[0023] Controller 135 monitors voltages in number of lithium-ion cells
130. Controller 135 displays information about the charging of number of
lithium-ion cells 130 in indicator 145. For example, when number of
lithium-ion cells 130 is being charged, indicator 145 may display an
indication in the form of a light to indicate that number of lithium-ion
cells 130 is being charged. In another example, indicator 145 includes
speaker 160 that generating an audible sound indicating a status of the
charge of number of lithium-ion cells 130.

[0024] Additionally, indicator 145 may display an indication of a
percentage that number of lithium-ion cells 130 has been charged. For
example, controller 135 identifies voltage of each cell in number of
lithium-ion cells 130. Based on a known value for total charge of each
cell, controller 135 illuminates a number of lights in indicator 145 that
are representative of the percentage of the total charge for number of
lithium-ion cells 130. For example, the lights may be light emitting
diodes (LEDs) portions of a liquid crystal display (LCD), and/or any
other suitable

[0025] In another example, indicator 145 may generate an audible sound
indicative of the percentage of the total charge for number of
lithium-ion cells 130 using speaker 160. In another example, indicator
145 includes communication unit 165 for communicating a status and/or of
the charge of number of lithium-ion cells 130 over a network connection
using a wired, fiber, wireless and/or other suitable type of
communications link. For example, communication unit 165 may be a
wireless communication transceiver and/or a network interface card.
Communication unit 165 may provide the charge status to an operator
device or monitoring center at a remote location.

[0026] In other examples, indicator 145 includes graphical display unit
170 for displaying the charging status of number of lithium-ion cells
130. In one non-limiting example, graphical display unit 170 may be a LCD
panel positioned in or on an exterior surface of housing 120. Graphical
display unit 170 can also receive inputs from an operator to controller
135. For example, graphical display unit 170 may be used to turn on or
off portable power supply 105 or otherwise modify and control the
charging of number of lithium-ion cells 130. In some embodiments, an
operator may control portable power supply 105 remotely using commands
received by communication unit 165.

[0027] Controller 135 also controls the power output from portable power
supply 105 at connector 150. Controller 315 includes switch 155. Switch
155 is an electrical connection between number of lithium-ion cells 130
and connector 150. Switch 155 can electrically disconnect heating element
110 from number of lithium-ion cells 130. For example, as a security
feature, when controller 135 detects that number of lithium-ion cells 130
are charging, switch 155 disconnects heating element 110 from number of
lithium-ion cells 130. Disconnecting heating element 110 from number of
lithium-ion cells 130 reduces a chance that too much power is transferred
to heating element 110 and that fluids in tube 115 will become too warm.

[0028] Additionally, controller 135 monitors a flow of current from number
of lithium-ion cells 130 to heating element 110. For example, controller
135 may include a meter to monitor current flow. In these examples, to
reduce a chance of overheating, heating element 110 has a threshold
allowed amount of current that may be drawn from portable power supply
105. Controller 135 monitors the current flow and may limit or stop
current flow to heating element 110 when the threshold is reached. In one
example, controller 135 includes a fuse that prevents current flow when
the threshold is reached. In another example, controller 135 includes a
filter that limits the output of current at connector 150 to the
threshold amount. In one illustrative example, the threshold amount of
current flow for heating element 110 is about 20 amperes (amps) of
current.

[0029] In some illustrative embodiments, controller 135 receives feedback
information from heating element 110 through connector 150. For example,
without limitation, controller 135 may receive information regarding
fluid temperature, heating element performance, and historical
performance data of heating element 110. Controller 135 can display the
feedback information received on graphical display unit 170. In another
example, controller 135 may send the feedback information to an operator
or monitoring center in a remote location using communication unit 165.
In these examples, an operator may use the fluid temperature information
to monitor and or adjust settings of heating element 110. Additionally,
historical performance data may be used to determine when tube 115 in
heating element 110 should be replaced.

[0030] In this illustrative embodiment, fluid heating system 100 includes
adapter 160. Adapter 160 transfers electrical power from a power source
(not illustrated) to portable power supply 105 for charging number of
lithium-ion cells 130. Adapter 160 connects to connector 140. In one
example, adapter 160 may be an alternating current (AC) adapter for
modifying an AC source into a DC input. In another example, adapter 160
is a lighter plug for charging portable power supply 105 via a lighter
socket from, for example, a car or solar panel. In yet another example,
adapter 160 may be a pair of electrical cables having clamps for
attaching to ends of a battery. In some embodiments, adapter 160 may not
be necessary. For example, the power source may connect directly to
connector 140.

[0031] In this advantageous embodiment, portable power supply 105 is a
portable lightweight source of power for heating element 110. In one
example, portable power supply 105 has a weight of about 1.25 pounds.
Portable power supply 105 supplies power for heating fluids in tube 115.
In one example, heating element 110 includes a number of heating modules
which are concatenated in a daisy-chain or otherwise linked or connected
together. A fluid reservoir (not illustrated) such as an interventions
fluid bag, is attached to the input port of the first of the series of
the heating modules. An IV needle assembly is attached to the output port
of a last heating module of the series of modules which are in fluid
communication with each other.

[0032] In this example, fluid which moves from the reservoir through the
heating modules heated by internal electrically energized coils or
resistive elements located within the module that convert electrical
power into thermal energy. Although internal electrically energized coils
or resistive elements are described herein, any suitable heating element
can be used. The temperature of the fluid is monitored as it passes
through the series of modules 18. The temperature of the fluid is
regulated by controller 135 by controlling the amount of current passing
from number of lithium-ion cells 130 to the heating coils of the heating
element 110 in response to thermal detectors located in or along the
fluid path within heating element 110.

[0033] Also in this example, heating modules in heating element 110 may be
concatenated or otherwise connected with other heating modules to form a
longer fluid path or may be used individually. The number of heating
modules in heating element 110 may be selected by the amount of heat that
needs to be transferred to the fluid or a rate that the fluid travels
through tube 115. By way of example, FIG. 3 and the corresponding text of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/891,463, incorporated by reference
above, illustrate and describe a linear concatenation of heating modules
that raise the temperature of a fluid in stages. FIG. 4 and the
corresponding text of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/891,463,
incorporated by reference above, illustrate and describe a 3-dimensional
concatenation of heating modules that raise the temperature of a fluid in
stages.

[0034] The illustration of fluid heating system 100 in FIG. 1 is not meant
to imply physical or architectural limitations to the manner in which
different illustrative embodiments may be implemented. Other components
in addition to and/or in place of the ones illustrated may be used. Some
components may be unnecessary in some illustrative embodiments. Also, the
blocks are presented to illustrate some functional components. One or
more of these blocks may be combined and/or divided into different blocks
when implemented in different illustrative embodiments.

[0035] For example, any one of indicator 450, speaker 160, communication
unit 165, and/or graphical display unit 170 may not be present in some
embodiments. In other embodiments, radiofrequency identification (RFID)
tags or labels may be included on portable power supply 105 for
identifying portable power supply 105. In yet other embodiments, any
components that may identify a position of portable power supply 105 may
be disabled. For example, indicator 450, speaker 160, communication unit
165, graphical display unit 170 and/or RFID tags for portable power
supply 105 may be disabled so as not to give away a position of portable
power supply 105.

[0036]FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of a power source according to
an advantageous embodiment of the present disclosure. In this
illustrative embodiment, portable power supply 200 is an example of one
implementation of portable power supply 105 in FIG. 1. As illustrated,
portable power supply 200 includes upper housing 205 and lower housing
210. In this illustrative example, upper housing 205 and lower housing
210 are made of a composite material, such as for example, plastic or
some other type of polymer. Upper housing 205 and lower housing 210 are
securely and solidly joined together it improve durability of portable
power supply 200. In one example, a seam between upper housing 205 and
lower housing 210 is welded using ultrasonic welding. In other examples,
upper housing 205 and lower housing 210 may be mechanically or chemically
joined.

[0037] Portable power supply 200 also includes lithium-ion cells 215,
charging circuit 220, controller 225, indicator 230, plurality of LEDs
235, and output 240. Plurality of LEDs 235 display a percentage of charge
of lithium-ion cells 215 in portable power supply 200. In this example
four LEDs are illustrated; thus each light may represent about 25% of
lithium-ion cells 215 being charged. In other examples, any number of
LEDs may be utilized and any number of different percentages may be
indicated. In this example, portable power supply 200 also includes
insulating layers 245. Insulating layers 245 provide insulation against
movement that may occur in portable power supply 200. In one example,
insulating layers 245 are made from foam pads.

[0038]FIG. 3 illustrates a portable power supply according to an
advantageous embodiment of the present disclosure. Portable power supply
300 is an example of one implementation of portable power supply 200. In
this depicted example, portable power supply 300 includes plurality of
grooves 305 formed in the exterior surface of the housing of portable
power supply 300. Plurality of grooves 305 assist operators in holding
portable power supply 300. For example, plurality of grooves 305 may
assist in wet or slippery conditions.

[0039] Also illustrated in this example is carabineer 310. Carabineer 310
gives an operator options in mounting and holding portable power supply
300. For example, without limitation, carabineer 310 may be utilized to
secure portable power supply 300 to a stretcher, a person's clothing, a
backpack, a net, a hook, or any other surface or structure in an aircraft
or helicopter, or an IV fluid stand. In other examples, other types of
securing devices, for example, hooks or straps, may be used in place of
carabineer 310.

[0040]FIG. 4 illustrates a view of a side of a portable power supply
according to an advantageous embodiment of the present disclosure.
Portable power supply 400 is seen from a side view. In this illustrative
example, portable power supply 400 has output 405. Output 405 is a socket
type connector adapted to receive a plug type connector from a heating
element, such as for example, heating element 110 in FIG. 1. Output 405
is surrounded by insulator 410. Insulator 410 reduces current flow in
directions other then out of output 405. For example, portable power
supply 400 may be utilized in conditions where water is preset. Insulator
410 reduces current flow into a wet environment rather than into a
connected heating element.

[0041] Also illustrated are indicator 415 and plurality of LEDs 420.
Indicator 415 provides an indication of whether portable power supply 400
is being charged. Plurality of LEDs 420 illustrates a percentage of
charge in portable power supply 400.

[0042] FIG. 5 illustrates a view of another side of the portable power
supply in FIG. 4 according to an advantageous embodiment of the present
disclosure. In this illustrative example, portable power supply 400 is
seen from another side. Portable power supply 400 has input 500. In this
example, input 500 is a coaxial socket input, though other types of
electrical connectors may be present in other embodiments. In one
example, input 500 is a 2.5 mm DC input. Any number of different tips and
adapters can connect to input 500 to charge portable power supply 400 via
any number of different power sources. Input 500 is also surrounded by
insulator 505. Insulator 505 reduces an amount of current that may leak
or short from input 500.

[0043]FIG. 6 is an illustration of a battery adapter module that may
attach to the portable power supply according to an advantageous
embodiment of the present disclosure. In this illustrative example,
battery adapter module 600 is configured to be attached to portable power
supply 605. Portable power supply 605 is an example of one implementation
of portable power supply 105. Battery adapter module 600 enables multiple
devices to receive power from portable power supply 605. For example,
battery adapter module 600 may include any number of different outputs
for outputting power from portable power supply 605 in any number of
different formats and or configurations. For example, without limitation,
outputs on portable power supply 605 may include one or more of a
universal serial bus (USB) connector, a lighter socket, an Institute of
Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) 1394 interface (e.g.
FireWire®, iLINK®, Lynx®), a Thunderbolt® interface, Ethernet
socket, an inverter with an alternating current (AC) outlet and/or any
other suitable power outlet.

[0044] FIG. 7 is an illustration of connectors on the battery adapter
module illustrated in FIG. 6. In this illustrative example, battery
adapter module 600 includes connectors 700. Connectors 700 are configured
to provide an electrical connection between battery adapter module 600
and portable power supply 605 in FIG. 6. In this example, connectors 700
are male pins. For example, connectors 700 from a plug that is adapted to
be received by the socket of output 405 in FIG. 4. In various
embodiments, battery adapter module 600 includes outer edges 705
extending from battery adapter module 600. Outer edges 705 are adapted to
securely wrap around and mechanically interface with portable power
supply 605 in FIG. 6. In some embodiments, outer edges 705 may be flat
such that battery adapter module 600 can be connected to portable power
supplies of different sizes, such as, for example, batteries described in
U.S. Pat. No. 6,142,974 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,139,528. In other
embodiments, an additional module (not illustrated) may be included for
extending an electrical connection beyond the extension of outer edges
705 for battery adapter module 600 to be connected to portable power
supplies of different sizes.

[0045] FIGS. 8a and 8b illustrate example configurations of the battery
adapter module in FIG. 6. FIG. 8a illustrates battery adapter module 600
having four outputs. For example, the four outputs may be USB connectors
800. FIG. 8b illustrates battery adapter module 600 having three outputs.
For example, the three outputs may include two USB connectors 805 and one
lighter socket 810. The output connectors in FIGS. 8a and 8b may be used
to supply power to any number of different mobile devices, such as, for
example, mobile phones, tablet computers, personal digital assistants and
or any other suitable mobile device. The illustration of battery adapter
module 600 in FIGS. 8a and 8b are not meant to imply physical or
architectural limitations to the manner in which different illustrative
embodiments may be implemented. For example, any different number and
type of outputs may be utilized by battery adapter module 600.

[0046] The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present
invention have been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not
intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Many
modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill
in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described
embodiments. It is intended that the present disclosure encompass such
modifications and variations as fall within the scope of the appended
claims.